Twee meisjes in tuinierskostuum te Straatsburg before 1865

Lalleman & Hart produced this photograph, "Two Girls in Gardening Costume in Strasbourg," using an albumen print. The charm of this photograph lies in its carefully constructed composition, hinting at the intersection of social norms and staged representation. Likely taken in the late 19th century, in Strasbourg, France, this image reflects the period's fascination with idyllic, pastoral scenes, yet it also subtly plays with the viewer's expectations. The girls' attire, while suggesting a connection to nature and labor, seems more theatrical than practical, raising questions about the image's intended audience. The historical context of Alsace, caught between French and German identities, adds another layer of complexity. Was this romanticized portrayal of rural life an attempt to assert a particular cultural identity? Such questions invite us to delve deeper into the archives, examining photographic journals and local histories to uncover the nuances of this seemingly simple photograph. By understanding the socio-political landscape of its creation, we can appreciate how this artwork actively participated in the construction of identity and cultural values.